Eventually, every couple in a blended family faces obstacles that leave them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain how to move forward. Here's a lesson from a bike ride that uncovered a key ingredient to moving forward.

It's tough to handle kids' difficult emotions and poor behavior. Uncover some of the underlying issues and learn two key strategies to help you stay united in your partnership and move your stepfamily move forward.

Children living in step family dynamics quickly discover how to push their step-parent's buttons - how to manipulate, interfere and even sabotage relationships. Learn what you can do survive and thrive as a step-parent, even when step-kids are waging war.

Figuring out effective consequences when kids make poor choices can be daunting. Couples often get stuck trying to figure out just the right action to take. Here's your 5-step plan to develop fitting and effective consequences.

Disagreements with your Ex are inevitable — but they don't always have to lead to conflict. There's one strategy you can use today that will help keep peace between the two of you. And the best part is, you already know it!

Life doesn't always turn out as we've expected. We're often hit with realities that are unexpected. Sometimes these realities feel defeating, but the truth is we can always take a next step. Here's 9 realities every step-couple must face and some easy next steps to move forward.

Step-couples typically miss out on celebrating wins. The little things that go right in stepfamily life are overshadowed by all the challenges. Don't let yourself miss out on celebrating your WINS…here's 5 you can celebrate today!

Being a step-parent is challenging. We often feel criticized by our culture and the media which goes so far as labeling us 'evil'! Sometimes we might wonder if we are an 'evil' step-parent when our step-kids treat us as if it were true. Don't fall for it! Here's 3 "P's" for Step-Parents that defy the lie.

Parents and step-parents often worry about how the kids' attitudes are going to impact the holiday celebrations. They can get focused on what they want from the kids, but maybe it's time to shift the focus. Here's five tips that can help.

Lies keep people stuck. We don't want to admit we've believed in a lie and sometimes we don't even know what lies we're believing. Here's a few common lies you might be stuck believing and some truth that will help.

Painful emotions can overwhelm us when it's the ex's turn to have the kids on holidays - we just miss our kids. But we don't have to let those melancholy emotions and disappointments steal our joy or keep us from having a memorable Christmas. Here's 3 tips to managing your emotional tension this holiday season.

Gratitude is a choice. Stepfamily life can create dynamics that make couples feel they have no option but to be grumpy. Here's three areas of focus that will help you get away from grumpiness and focus on gratitude.

Conflict is simply a reality for step-couples. You already know this if you've been in a stepfamily for any length of time. The good news is, you can choose what kind of conflict you'll engage in. Here's three things you can clarify to avoid toxic conflict and choose healthy conflict instead!

Common sense may not be that common in blended families. Every step-couple wants to believe they can figure it out along the way, but end up facing disappointment. Stepfamilies have unique challenges that require unique solutions. Common sense won't deliver unique solutions.

"My time with my kids is limited…I just want it to be fun!" We know you want your time with the kids to be positive. It can feel like disciplining will ruin that. But how will your family be impacted if you step back from setting healthy boundaries? Consider two next steps in your parenting today!

Sometimes hoping can lead to disappointment. When your hopes are actually false hopes, you won't find the fun and loving stepfamily you're looking for. You need to discover a healthy hopelessness…today!

Strife in blended families can sometimes show up early and stick around late! Living under the same roof creates unexpected frustrations. If you identify with this…you're normal! Here's some simple ideas to help you move forward.